THE father of a Royal Marine commando in southern Iraq was relieved to see his son interviewed on television - but still thinks watching too much news is not healthy.

John Price saw his son 29-year-old John, a corporal in 42 Commando, being quizzed by Trevor McDonald on ITV last week looking "tanned and well".

Mr Price, of Oulton Close, Kidderminster, has not spoken to him for about six weeks and was happy to see he was safe but added round-the-clock news could make normal life difficult.

"It's always there - your ears are always listening," he said. Cpl John Price who was seen by his parents on TV.

Stations repeat clips and speculate a little too much, he added.

Mr Price said John had always wanted to join the marines.

"He started in the Royal Marines band service straight from school. It wasn't rough and tumble enough for him and he then decided he wanted his green beret and he became a Royal Marine commando."

The retired train driver said his son, who lived in Kidderminster for about six years, now has a five-year-old son and works as a police officer with West Midlands Police - but as a reservist he was called up two months ago.

Mr Price said following anti-war protests in Wyre Forest and further afield the public should unite to back British troops and hope the war ends quickly.

"People should say we've made our point, now let's get behind our boys and give them all the support we can so they can just get the job done."